PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Legislation to make sales of electronic cigarettes to minors illegal and impose criminal penalties on violators passed the House Wednesday night 68 to 0.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Legislation to make sales of electronic cigarettes to minors illegal and impose criminal penalties on violators passed the House Wednesday night 68 to 0.

The bill, introduced by Rep. Helio Melo, D-East Providence, requires electronic cigarettes to be regulated in the same way as other cigarettes, and prohibits their sale or distribution to anyone under age 18. The bill also bans them from vending machines.

Violators would face fines of $75 for a first offense, $150 for a second offense, and $500 for a third of subsequent offense. Half of the fines would be distributed to the municipalities where the violators were cited, the other half would go into the state general fund.

The bill also requires photo identification be shown prior to purchases and that signs be posted in English and Spanish indicating that the sale of electronic cigarettes to anyone under 18 is against state law. Failure to display such signs would be punishable by penalties of $35 to $500 per violation.

The Senate passed a similar bill Wednesday. The House bill is expected to go before the Senate Thursday.